Software for Adaptive streaming in AXIS devices

Background

Axis devices are used in many different kinds of security installations. It can, e.g., be security cameras and door stations. An increasingly common use case is streaming of live video over the Internet, and across wireless networks. Live video puts higher demands on low latency, compared to streaming of surveillance video for storage (video stored for future inspection in case of an incident). One example is live control of a Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera. The live use case gives higher demands of adapting the video bitrate to the currently available bandwidth, adjusting the amount of data for keeping low latency and avoiding frame drops. Forensic details in the video are of course still important to keep.

Axis devices stream video using the RTSP/RTP protocols, and we are integrating support for WebRTC. In both cases, the Real-Time Control Protocol (RTCP) can be used by clients for giving feedback about available bandwidth to the Axis device. For the bitrate adaptation, one technique is Transport-Wide Congestion Control (TWCC), where measurements of transmission and reception times at both ends of the communication channel give input to a bitrate control algorithm. Google has developed a version of TWCC that is used with WebRTC. We would like to investigate if we can benefit from such a technique, when streaming live from our devices.

Who are we?

We simply like to learn new things and stay on the cutting edge. We are always open to new suggestions and happy to help each other. Our software is running in all our cameras worldwide and our APIs are used in many different Video Management System applications. To get to know us more and what AXIS OS is please see following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQe9bTBoJhg.

Who are you?

For this thesis proposal we target two students with a strong interest in software development combined with analytical skills in order to learn and investigate new technology. We hope that you have passion for modern software development where technical challenges are fun and exciting for you.

Goal

The main goal of this master thesis is to investigate how we can improve the user experience, and lower the packet loss, by adapting the bitrate when streaming live over networks with varying bandwidth.

Sub-goals:

* Investigate available technologies for adaptive streaming, including TWCC.
* Find methods of testing adaptive streaming under various networks conditions, possibly in simulations, and ways to measure the effect of the bitrate adaptations.
* Implement and evaluate a prototype in an Axis device, hopefully demonstrating an improved live streaming user experience when the network bandwidth varies.

OK, I am interested! What do I do now?
You are valuable to us - how nice that you are interested in one of our proposals! There are a few things for you to keep in mind when applying.

* Applications are accepted in both Swedish and English, and you apply via the proposal advert.
* The announced thesis is open only to students affiliated with a Swedish University/College either directly or via an exchange program.
* When the thesis proposal states that it includes two students working together, we would like you to apply in pairs. In these cases, send one application each but make sure to clearly state in your application who your co-applicant is. If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact us.
* Please attach your CV and University/College grade summary.

Who to contact for any questions regarding the position!

Thesis supervisor: David Svensson Fors 046 - 272 21 81 or manager Vladimir Karadzic, 046 - 272 23 54.